Ballet shoe

ABSTRACT

Ballet shoe, with a box with an open end and a closed end, an upper section and a small lower box and a shank, which can be removed from the box, with a male element that is inserted into the small box. The small box has flat walls and a flat bottom, and a flexible upper partition designed to rest on the male element of the shank under the user&#39;s weight. The shank core is then retained by the user whilst in use, and free to be removed when not.

TECHNICAL. SECTOR This invention refers to a ballet shoe, which is applicable to the manufacturing of sports and dance items, with greater versatility and easier maintenance. STATE OF THE ART

Ballet shoes with a number of more or less rigid objects inside them, such as boxes, shanks, etc., which assist the dancer when dancing are found in the state of the art. Examples can be found in US2008209761 or WO2009050371.

These solutions involve a fixing between the box and the shank that must be improved to offer maximum versatility, making it particularly easy to change the shank according to the type of dance to be performed. This enables the shoe's responsiveness to be altered according to the dancer's preference at any time during training or performance. Moreover, the shank can be replaced if it is damaged or overused, without having to replace the box. They can also be replaced at a different pace on each foot, as well as choosing different types of shank and hardness for each foot individually. This gives the dancer versatile and customisable pointe shoes.

The applicant is not aware of any solution that could be considered similar to the invention.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a ballet shoe pursuant to the claims made herein. Its various embodiments solve the problems of the state of the art and provide remarkable advantages.

This ballet shoe has, as it is known in ballet, a rigid box, with an open end to insert the wearers foot, and a closed end. The box also has an upper part, which will engage with the instep, and a lower small box for inserting a male element of a removable shank. The small box has innovative side walls, a flat upper partition and a flat lower section, with no means of attachment to the shank. In contrast, the partition is made of a flexible material, configured to press on the male element of the shank with the wearer's weight.

In the preferred embodiment, the shank has a bottom step adjacent to the male element and preferably its height should be equal to the thickness of the bottom of the small box. This avoids unevenness, increases the shank's useful life and facilitates bending in the desired direction. After the step, the shank may gradually taper towards its open end. The open end is thinner and therefore more flexible. The length and gradient of the gradually tapered section is particularly important in determining the shank's flexibility. The length of the section of equal thickness after the bottom step is also very important.

It is preferred that the shape and dimensions of the small box be substantially equivalent to the shape and dimensions of the male element of the shank so that the latter fits snugly without gaps.

The male element's surface or the inside of the small box may have an anti-slip coating to help the shoe maintain its shape while it is not being worn. For example, the shank may be covered with fabric. In general, the width of the small box should very precisely fit the width of the male element, so that the latter fits snugly into the small box.

Preferably, the top of the box should vary in thickness, being thinner the closer it is to the open end of the box.

In a preferred embodiment, the side walls of the small box converge as they move away from the open end. That is, the mouth of the small box has a larger cross-section than the bottom.

The box may have a flexible outer cover. This cover extends around the circumference of the open end, in any length desired by the user, both on the top of the box and on the sides.

In order to alter the flexible nature of each part of the box, one or more pairs of opposing cuts can be made from the open end, either above or below the partition.

For example, when it has a pair of lower cuts, with these cuts being aligned with the small box, it is preferred that the cuts do not coincide with the box so as not to affect the shank's retention. In other words, the cuts start from the open end, but the small box, or shank retention area formed by the walls, starts after the cuts. This means, for example, that the first area is wider and has no shank retention functions. The small box is narrower and sized to fit the shank.

Other variants are presented later in the specification.

DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS

In order to better understand the invention, the following figures are included.

FIG. 1 : Perspective view of an example of a box, showing visible and hidden lines.

FIG. 2 : Perspective view of a second box example, showing visible and hidden lines.

FIG. 3 : Lower view (A) and perspective view (B) of an example of a shank.

FIG. 4 : Longitudinal section of the inner box and shank assembly: (A) during insertion or removal of the shank; (B) with the wearer putting weight on the shoe; (C) bending at the box-shank joint, standing in the demi-pointe position; and (D) bending the free end of the shank, e.g. en pointe position.

FIG. 5 : Longitudinal cross-section of a box with cover and guard.

INVENTION EMBODIMENT METHODS

A brief description of an embodiment of the invention is given below, by way of a not-limiting example.

The embodiment shown in the figures features a ballet shoe, with a sole and a covering (not shown), which has a box (1) and a shank (2) made of a more rigid material than the covering and the sole, which protect the wearer. The shank (2) is generally covered by an insole (3) to which it is attached by a rubber band (31) or similar. The insole (3) is attached to the box (1) so that the shank (2) can be replaced without affecting it. Moreover, said insole will be longer than the shank (2) (FIG. 5 ). The tip of the insole (3) is inserted and folded into the end of the box (1) to protect the toes.

A toe guard (4) made of viscoelastic foam (memory foam) is fitted inside the box (1). Ideally, it extends from the box (1) across the instep area to protect the instep from contact with the box's material. A cover (5) can also be provided on the outside of the box (1), it extends around the entire open circumference (sides and top). This cover (5) protects the fabric covering the box and at the same time modifies the shoe's bending performance. For example, the cover is also made of viscoelastic foam. The guard (4) and the cover (5) can also be made of another flexible material, such as synthetic fibres (woven or non-woven) impregnated with SBR acrylonitrile latex.

The boxes (1) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are cup-shaped, with an upper section (11), a flat-based lower small box (12), an open end (13) and a closed end (14). The small box (12) is open on the same side as the open end (13) and has two side walls (15), generally converging away from the opening, a flexible upper partition (16) and a lower section (17). The walls (15) and bottom (17) are flat, without projections. In any case, they can have notches or slots to modify the rigidity of the box (1). The partition (16) can be flexible due to its material, or be thinner or vary in thickness. For example, it can be thicker and stiffer in the area near the closed end (14), where the toes will be placed, and thinner at the open end (13). This minimises the step for comfort and at the same time allows the partition (16) to bend to apply pressure to the shank (2).

FIGS. 1 and 2 show two embodiments in which two pairs of cuts (18,19) have been made to increase the flexibility of the box (1). The cuts (18,19) are made from the open end (13). Both figures include an upper cut (18) above the partition (16), and a lower cut (19) below the partition (16). This lower cut (19) affects the small box (12) in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2 shows an example of an embodiment in which the small box (12), i.e. the walls (15), is set back from the open end (13) of the box (1). In this case, the small box (12) does not coincide with the lower cut (19), so its entire useful length is used to support the shank (2).

The cuts (18,19) are shown parallel to the floor (17), but may have a certain angle to them. Likewise, two pairs of cuts (18,19) are shown, one on each side, but a single pair of cuts, or none at all, can be defined.

The upper part of the box (1) may have holes to facilitate foot perspiration and sweat evaporation.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the shank (2) has a male element (21) at one end, followed by a step (22) at the bottom and a gradual tapering (23) towards the opposite free end (24). The length and slope of the gradual tapering (23) defines the response of the shank (2) to bending and is an important design variable. The change in thickness in the shank (2) between the male element (21) and the free end (24) can be more or less pronounced and therefore have more or less curvature. This varies the strength and makes it easier or harder to bend the shank (2).

The small box (12) is designed to support the male element (21) of the shank (2), and to hold it in place by means of the wearer's weight, which bends the partition (16) and reduces the height of the small box (12). Thus, the partition wall (16) itself holds the shank (2) in place when the ballet shoe is in use. Once the shoe is removed, it is extremely easy to remove the shank (2) as nothing holds it in place. The size and shape of the male element (21) is normally the same size and shape as the small box opening (12) to avoid the partition (16) from resting in a gap, which affects the dancer's feeling and the box's (1) useful life. Ideally, the male element (21) should fit very snugly into the small box (2), in particular with regards to the walls (15), so that the shank (2) does not move.

It is preferred that sharp edges, for example at the corners of the small box (12), are avoided in order to reduce the accumulation of tension, which reduces the useful life of the parts. FIG. 3B shows that the base of the bottom step (22), in contact with the male element (21), may also be curved. This curvature is to be reflected in the shape of the small box (12).

If desired, the surface of the male element (21) or the inside of the small box (12) can have an anti-slip coating: a silicone coating, a rough surface, etc.

The lower step (22) has a dimension equivalent to the thickness of the sole (17), meaning that when the shank (2) is inserted into the small box (12) there is no step in the sole of the shoe (FIG. 4B). It can also be made larger or smaller than the thickness of the sole (17), mainly to achieve the desired rigidity.

The upper part (11) of the box (1) varies in thicknesses, being thinner the closer it is to the open end (13) of the box (1). This allows the flexibility of the instep to be increased.

FIGS. 4A-D show how the invention works. In FIG. 4A, the user places the shank (2) into the box (1) by inserting the male element (21) into the small box (12). This insertion is clean as it has flat walls (15). The user will choose the shank (2) according to her weight, the type of dance to be performed, her shoe size, her preferences, or for any other reason.

When the shoe is put on, the wearer's foot pushes the partition (16) against the male element (21), holding it in position (FIG. 4B). Therefore, no movement occurs. The male element (21) can vary slightly in thickness to alter the bending. In this case, fabric, EVA rubber . . . can be added to ensure contact with the partition (16).

If the wearer stands in the en pointe position in the shoe, the contact between the shank (2) and the box (1) prevents bending in the first direction. On the other hand (FIG. 4C), bending in the opposite direction is facilitated by the cut between the sole (17) and the step (22). Moreover, the free end (24) of the shank (2) bends considerably because gradual tapering (23) has been exceeded (FIG. 4D).

If the shank (2) is worn out or the shoe's response needs to be modified, the wearer can automatically take off her shoes and remove the shank (2) for replacement.

Although not depicted, the ballet shoe may contain padding in the box (1) to provide comfort to the wearer's foot, as known. It also has a cover that creates the body of the shoe. The lower part of the shank (2) may have a soft covering (25), for example made of EVA rubber. Likewise, the box (1) may have a soft front (26). The covering (25) has a cushioning effect, e.g. when jumping. It also helps to raise the height of the heel so that the heel is not so low when it is resting on the ground. This covering (25) can be attached to the shank (2) or to the shoe.

The dimensions of the small boxes (12) will ideally be independent from the shoe size and, consequently, from the dimensions of the box (1), in order to facilitate versatility in the use of shanks (2).

For each shoe size, different models of box (1) may be available, of a greater or lesser width, more pointed, more squared. etc. However, all of them will have the same small box (12) so that the shanks (2) are interchangeable. 

1. A ballet shoe, with a box with an open end and a closed end, an upper section and a small lower box and a shank, which can be removed from the box, with a male element that is inserted into the small box, wherein the small box has flat walls and a flat bottom, and a flexible upper partition designed to rest on the male element of the shank under the user's weight.
 2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the shank has a lower step adjacent to the male element.
 3. The shoe, according to claim 2, wherein the step is the same height as the thickness of the floor of the small box.
 4. The shoe according to claim 2, wherein the shank gradually tapers after the step towards the free end of the shank.
 5. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the male element or the inside of the small box has an anti-slip coating.
 6. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein the upper section of the box varies in thickness, being thinner the closer it is to the open end of the box.
 7. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein the side walls of the small box converge as they move away from the open end.
 8. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein the shape and dimensions of the small box are substantially equivalent to the shape and dimensions of the male element of the shank.
 9. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein it has a soft covering on the bottom of the shank.
 10. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein the box has a soft front.
 11. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein the male element fits snugly in width in the small box.
 12. The shoe, according to claim 4, wherein it has an even thickness between the lower step and the gradual tapering.
 13. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein it has a flexible cover on the outside of the box which extends around the circumference of the open end of the box.
 14. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein it has a flexible toe guard inside the box and extending over the instep area.
 15. The shoe, according to claim 1, wherein it has one or more pairs of opposing cuts from the open end.
 16. The shoe, according to claim 14, wherein it has a pair of lower cuts aligned with the small box and not coinciding with the latter. 